** The following article was previously published in Quo Vadis on April 19, 2015 **
Potholes have been affecting New Jersey drivers every day. These potholes can be seen all around local streets near The College. They cause pricey damages because sometimes they are nearly invisible, causing costly damages to vehicles.
Potholes are popping up every where especially after winter weather conditions
Potholes have become a major issue due to the severe winter Middlesex County has experienced. According to the state of New Jersey’s Department of Transportation website, potholes happen when moisture from rain or melting snow pierces the road surface and freezes, causing the pavement to crack. Sudden temperature changes that cause a “freeze – thaw” cycle create outbreaks of potholes. During the winter, a temporary patch is used and later replaced with a permanent patching material. This is the reason why a majority of potholes form immediately after weather like the one Middlesex County has faced.
The drive to The College can be a puzzle with all the potholes on Route1 and on roads closer to the College like Woodbridge Avenue. As a matter of fact, the website of the radio station NJ 101.5 lists Edison as the New Jersey city with the biggest potholes.
Students at the College sometimes try to avoid the daily traffic of Woodbridge Avenue by taking the shortcut through Executive Avenue. The problem with this shortcut is the massive potholes that can emerge on the drive. Winter weather could be one of the causes of these potholes but the constant truck traffic also plays a major role in the creation of these potholes. The massive potholes around the College can cause costly damage. Eric Canavera, a frequent driver of the area surrounding The College, said, “I drive my wife to and from the College daily. We had spent over $2000 to have work on our car including a wheel alignment in November.” Canavera said that he understands that there has been bad weather but he also said, “At the same time many of the potholes are ones from last year that were not fixed. Coming out of the side of The College on Mills Road is a pothole that has been there since 2013 and it is getting bigger each year.”
The major damage that the potholes are causing is getting the attention of New Jersey lawmakers. According to News12.com, “Motorists are expected to pay thousands in repairs sustained from potholes.” They also say that the Department of Transportation- says it plans to spend around $4 million on pothole repair for state roads.
To speed up the process of repairing these potholes, motorists are urged to report potholes that they notice. This will speed up the repairs by allowing the local government to focus on specific problem areas. According to the New Jersey’s Department of Transportation website, “If you are reporting a pothole for the Garden State Parkway or the New Jersey Turnpike, please complete the form on the New Jersey Turnpike Authority website.” They also say that if the road is not listed under the “Interstate/Route” pull down menu, the road may be under county rather than state jurisdiction. Potholes should be reported to the appropriate County Pothole Hotline. The Middlesex County Pothole Hotline is 732-940-3800.
